Australia’s sprint relay squad could receive a major boost ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo, with teenage sensation Gout Gout potentially joining the star-studded 4x100m lineup.
The Australian athletics team secured their spots for the World Championships in September after a strong performance at the World Relays in China. Among the four qualifying relay teams was the men’s 4x100m squad, which may soon feature both sprint stars Lachlan Kennedy and Gout Gout.
World indoor 60m silver medallist Kennedy, teamed up with Joshua Azzopardi, Christopher Ius, and Prince Jackson to clock 38.31 seconds in their qualifying heat, securing second place and a ticket to Tokyo. With Gout already set to compete in the 200m at the World Championships, his addition to the relay squad could provide a significant speed boost.
Aiming for the Podium
Azzopardi, who hinted at Gout’s possible inclusion, expressed confidence in the team’s medal chances.
“We are really stepping up our standards this year, coming off the national record of 37.8 in Sydney,” Azzopardi told Yahoo Sports.
“Feels like we can really push for those medals, and that will be the goal. The main thing is, we’ll be ready when the World Championships come in September.”
Gout Gout Open to Relay Challenge
The 17-year-old phenom, often compared to Usain Bolt, has already made waves in the 100m and 200m. But in a recent interview with Fox Sports, Gout revealed he’s also open to competing in the 4x400m relay and mixed relays in Tokyo, depending on his schedule.
At the World Championships, Gout will face off against some of the sport’s biggest names, including Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles, rising Jamaican star Kishane Thompson, and Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo. The competition will be a major test for the young sprinter, who turns 18 this year and is eager to prove himself on the global stage.
With Gout’s potential inclusion, Australia’s 4x100m team could emerge as a dark horse in Tokyo.
